Nissen fundoplication

Hi guys, I've recently gotten the Nissen fundoplication procedure done by keyhole surgery. Before the surgery, I was suffering from bad reflux so I decided to try put a stop to it. Since having the surgery (currently on day 6) I have been unable to swallow without getting bad hiccups and having the need to make myself vomit to relieve what can only be described as trapped air and agony! After being sick I feel relieved and the pain pretty much goes away completely, I'm in hospital on a drip and a lot of iv drugs as I'm not able to swallow anything in tablet form without severe discomfort. Has anyone else experienced symptoms similar to this?

Once again,Your rude posts are NOT going to be allowed.

Post Edited By Moderator (opnwhl4) : 3/29/2014 10:15:10 PM (GMT-6)

Hi cw1305,

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad you've joined us!

While I'm not certain I'm interpreting what you're saying correctly, it sounds as if you've got an extremely tight wrap, or a lot of swelling causing it to be tight. That would explain why things are likely getting stuck at the base of the esophagus--being held back at the wrap site, and why you're "vomiting" it back up for relief.

It makes sense that you're back in the hospital, to get some relief from discomfort and especially to get liquids into you via IV. Occasionally, someone's wrap swells an extreme amount, which keeps them from being able to eat or drink. I'm glad you're under medical care, so you can receive the proper help you need.

I will say it's not wise to make yourself vomit, once wrapped--especially at this stage of recovery, no matter how much discomfort you have. Once you've had the fundoplication, you should always carry anti-nausea medication, just in case you get a stomach bug or vomiting episode. During early recovery, especially, the wrap is adversely affected by the amount of pressure is caused by vomiting or retching.

Be sure to ask your doctor or surgeon for anti nausea drugs, just in case you need them. I have a script for Zofran, which works on less severe nausea, and one for Compazine suppositories, which works best when you're having an all out stomach bug. It stops you from vomiting repeatedly.

The hiccups are a very common and painful symptom post-Nissen. I believe the cause is irritation to the diaphragm during surgery. I didn't have the problem, but from what I've read here, it can be brought on by drinking something that is too cold, and eating too quickly. I'm sure there are other triggers as well.

What you're experiencing is not typical, but it happens occasionally. Hang in there. You're in the midst of the most difficult part of recovery, and you're experiencing more difficult than average symptoms. If you can "keep the faith", and make it through the next couple weeks, you should find things getting better.

Sorry you're having to deal with this!
Glad you've joined us. I'm sure there will be other members stopping by to welcome you and provide support and information.
Very best wishes!
Denise

cw1305

I want to apologize for the earlier comment. That is not typical of this forum.

As Denise said, avoid cold drinks and keep with the small sips frequently. I got hiccups when my stomach was full. It let me know to stop eating or drinking.

At your stage in the recovery things are swelling and your stomach volume is much smaller. I also want to caution you about the vomiting and retching. It is very hard on the wrap and can really irritate it even once you have healed. I carry anti nausea meds with me at all times just to be safe.

Gas bloating can be a problem after this surgery for a while, but does usually get better with time. It may take several months to go away though. Try to keep from swallowing air by not using straws and avoid carbonated drinks until things improve.

Take care,
Bill

I hope that you feel better soon.

I am past the four weeks mark now and can eat and drink a lot more.

I think that before the surgery I had no idea what a major operation it was

Now that I have accepted this I am giving myself plenty of time to heal I feel a a lot better about everything. As you said ..... small steps.

Kind regards Julia

Bill,

Is it common to have residual pain around the shoulder blades 7 months after the Nissen? Or pain in the chest area?

Michelle

Michelle-

At 7 months you are somewhere around 80% healed. The rest takes the better part of another 6 months or so. So, yes, you cans still have pains there.
I had pain in my back after my 1st redo that finally went away after the 1 year mark.

Does it hurt all the time or do certain things set it off?

Take care,
Bill